oked genuinely distressed. "Mr. Hayes, please

tching the small box to my che

a whisper. "The retreat's master said any lingering attachments

w tear in the quiet mountai

his hand trembling. "Ms. Mil

ce a mask of impatience. "Caleb, give D

my son

ry, I truly am. But Liam needs this. His health is paramount. We need a clean slate." She

she ordered, he

head, holding

of her guards appeared at h

atched the box from them. She walked to the edge of the courtyard, which overlooked a

just ran. I launched myself over the low stone wall, into the emp

her voice thin with shock. "G

ough sharp rocks and thorny bushes. Pain explod

. Davis watched in horror. "M

one was ringin

" he whined. "I had a

avine, the box-it all vanished from her m

vis, make sure they find him. Ge

hurrying back toward the temple, back

the ashes of my family's heritage-was complete. Chloe and Liam chartered a private

ry, Liam began to scream. He thrashed in hi

ide with terror. "They're everywh

e walls and phantoms rising from the floor. Convinced that I was somehow behind this, that

led Mr.

hone. "Where is Caleb? What did you do

end of the line. Then, Mr. Davis's voice, t

. Mr. Hayes..